What is NA?
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship designed to support individuals struggling with drug addiction, providing a safe space to seek recovery. It operates across many cities in the United States, including numerous locations in California, San Diego, where additional resources and guidance can be found through the World Forum for Mental Health, offering a free program with regular group meetings.
NA helps those facing addiction by fostering community and mutual support, emphasizing anonymity and confidentiality to encourage openness.
Ocean Beach Recreation Center
Address: 4726 Santa Monica Ave, San Diego, CA 92107
- Monday, 8:00 pm – Topic Discussion: Members discuss various addiction-related topics, sharing personal experiences and strategies in a confidential and supportive atmosphere.
- Tuesday, 7:00 pm – Topic Discussion: Similar to Monday sessions with focus on new themes to encourage reflection and growth.
- Wednesday, 8:00 pm – Literature Study: Focused meetings analyzing NA literature and recovery texts, promoting understanding of the program’s principles.
- Friday, 8:00 pm – Speaker Meeting: An invited speaker shares their personal recovery journey to inspire and motivate attendees.
- Saturday, 8:00 pm – Topic Discussion: Open forum for detailed discussions on recovery challenges and successes.
- Sunday, 7:00 pm – Newcomer Meeting: Introductory sessions tailored for new members to learn about the program and begin their recovery journey in a welcoming environment.
Pacific Beach Library
Address: 4275 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109
- Sunday, 6:00 pm – Topic Discussion: Weekly gathering where attendees openly discuss addiction-related subjects, sharing experiences to build community support and encourage recovery.
First Lutheran Church
Address: 1420 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
- Monday, 7:00 pm – Candlelight Meeting: Evening meetings held in a calm, reflective environment with candlelight to foster serenity as members share their personal progress and challenges.
The 12 Steps of NA
- We admitted we were powerless over our addiction—that our lives had become unmanageable. Recognizing the lack of control is the first step toward seeking help and change.
- Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. This step encourages openness to spiritual or external support in recovery.
- Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of that Power. Committing to trust and follow guidance beyond self-will.
- Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. Honest self-reflection to identify behaviors and patterns contributing to addiction.
- Admitted to ourselves and another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. Confession fosters accountability and humility.
- Were entirely ready to have these defects of character removed. Embracing willingness to change harmful traits to support recovery.
- Humbly asked that our shortcomings be removed. Requesting help—spiritual or personal—to overcome defects.
- Made a list of persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all. Recognizing the impact of one’s addiction on others.
- Made direct amends to such people wherever possible. Taking constructive action to repair relationships and rebuild trust.
- Continued to take personal inventory and when wrong promptly admitted it. Maintaining ongoing self-awareness and responsibility.
- Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with our Higher Power. Deepening spiritual awareness as part of growth.
- Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of these steps, tried to carry this message to addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Committing to helping others and living by NA principles.
This 12-step approach encourages members across California, San Diego to embrace positive transformation and sustained recovery.
Getting Started with NA in California, San Diego, San Diego, USA
To find local Narcotics Anonymous meetings, individuals are strongly encouraged to visit wfmh.org. This site provides the most reliable and up-to-date listings of NA meetings in San Diego and beyond.
Most locations offer both in-person and online/virtual meetings to accommodate different needs and preferences, enabling flexible access to support.
Attending Your First Local NA Meeting
In San Diego, NA meetings are organized into two main types to cater to different participant needs:
| Meeting Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Open Meetings | Open to the public, allowing anyone, including non-addicts, to participate. Ideal for newcomers to observe and learn about NA and its benefits. |
| Closed Meetings | Restricted to individuals with a desire to stop using drugs, fostering a private and focused environment for recovery discussions. |
- Arrive early and introduce yourself as a new member to meet peers and facilitators.
- Participate by sharing your experiences if you feel comfortable; sharing is voluntary and encouraged as a step toward healing.
- Receive welcoming keychain tags that mark recovery milestones and symbolize progress on your journey.
Keychain Tag Milestones
- 30 days: Recognition of one month of continuous abstinence from drugs.
- 60 days: Symbolizes two months of successful recovery efforts.
- 90 days: Celebrates three months of sustained sobriety.
- 6 months: Acknowledges half a year clean and committed to recovery.
- 9 months: Marks the significant milestone nearing a full year clean.
- 1 year: Major milestone celebrating one full year free from drug use.
Further milestones continue similarly, encouraging members to celebrate their sustained recovery at regular intervals.
